Proud to be Pride
Open and inclusive in true West Coast fashion, Vancouver is one of the most 2SLGBTQAI+ friendly cities in Canada. This is a place that’s accepting of everyone, no matter where they were born, what languages they speak, their gender expression, or who they love. Vancouver has been a city on the forefront of the fight for 2SLGBTQAI+ rights and protections, including becoming the first Canadian city to ban conversion therapy. Vancouver warmly welcomes all – and we mean all – visitors from Canada and around the world.
Davie Village
The heart of the city’s 2SLGBTQAI+ community and culture can be found in Davie Village, where rainbow flags and sunburst banners adorn the lampposts in this lively neighbourhood in the heart of downtown’s dense West End. The main drag through the village is Davie Street, which is home to dozens of queer-owned and queer-friendly businesses, including proudly independent cafes and restaurants, bars, etc. Amongst the colourful characters and shops, visitors can find the much-photographed Rainbow Crosswalk at the intersection of Davie and Bute.
In the evening, Davie Village comes to life as the real epicentre of Vancouver’s gay nightlife scene. Along with dance clubs hosting the world’s hottest DJ’s at Celebrities, visitors will also have no trouble finding LGBT-friendly sports bars like Score on Davie, bingo games hosted by drag queens at Numbers Cabaret, and casual pubs with excellent craft beer selections.
Vancouver Pride
Hosted by the Vancouver Pride Society, the Vancouver Pride Festivaloccurs annually around the end of July and the beginning of August. This year’s parade will take place on August 6 with festivities all week long leading to this big event that attracts over 100,000 attendees. Expect to find over 100 local community groups, non-profit organizations, businesses and more showcasing their support for the 2SLGBTQAI+ communities. The Parade will include 3 accessible viewing zones, 12 superstar hosts, and a VIP viewing area like no other. As one of the city’s most impressive parades, hundreds of thousands of people turn out each year to enjoy the music, rainbow colours, festive atmosphere and outrageous costumes.